The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)

The University of Alabama at Birmingham is committed to the education and growth of its students and encourages them to become "a better person for having experienced the challenge of UAB." With a wide array of impressive programs, UAB is particularly noted for housing one of the largest schools of health professions in the country. Undergrads appreciate that the university offers "small class sizes in even the 100-level classes," which allows for a more personalized learning experience. They also note that the faculty are passionate "experts in their fields" who "care about teaching their subjects to the students." They describe professors as "accessible and exciting" and "down-to-earth enough to give students a real view of what it's like to enter the world of academia." As one student elaborates, "For many of the professors, it's not just about a grade in a class that you are taking...it's an experience and preparation for any of our further endeavors." Students specifically call out the professors in the science departments, who "do a great job with interactive learning" and "really put forth every effort to make sure that those who want help get it." Students may find the academic workload demanding, but most agree it is "certainly worth the challenge." They describe an environment where professors and administrators "care about you" and demonstrate a genuine commitment to student welfare. This is evidenced by initiatives like the biannual student forum, where departments share updates on efforts to improve student life and address student questions. As one student says, "The faculty and administration are very close with students and actively look to pursuing perfection and improving the collegiate experience."

The student body at UAB is often described as "down to earth," where "no one looks down on anyone," making it "easy to find a place where you fit in." Many students note that there is "no typical student" at UAB and that "everyone is so diverse" in their thoughts, opinions, and personalities. Overall, this is a supportive community and "there is a genuine interest among students in learning about the other cultures and religions represented on campus and in other cultures around the world." While students come from a range of backgrounds, many share the experience of coming "from modest households." The UAB community is made up of "hardworking and serious" people who still find time to "enjoy weekend fun with friends."

This "vibrant and exciting" campus feels "like a small town in a big city." Students are encouraged "to get involved on campus in some shape or form." With about 380 student organizations available, there is "something for everyone to get involved in." As one student puts it, "the problem [is] having to narrow down opportunities." The "widely used Campus Recreation Center" offers free workout classes, including "kickboxing, krunk/ hip-hop class, yoga, [and] spin," as well as amenities like a wave pool and a rock wall. Additionally, students can participate in intramural sports such as "flag football, dodgeball, soccer, volleyball, [and] slow pitch softball." When students have the time, some like to "dine or shop at the many malls" in Birmingham, which also has a wide variety of attractions, including "many museums, art shows, concerts, dance clubs, [and] movie theaters to choose from." In addition to the activities on campus and the attractions of Birmingham, students love life at UAB because it's "large enough that [you] meet and see new faces daily, but small enough to where [you] have personal relationships with teachers and the administration."